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India's ruling BJP tries to get foot in door in Kerala state election
It is pitching itself as 'third alternative' and has hedged its bets by falling back on PM Modi
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Ms Veena George (right), a Communist legislator, speaking to workers about livelihood and pensions in Pathanamthitta. Campaigning for re-election in a district that was the epicentre of the Sabarimala protests in 2018, Ms George said she respected people's faith, but "would rather speak of rainwater harvesting, roads, food security and housing".
ST PHOTO: ROHINI MOHAN
Rohini Mohan India Correspondent In Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Rohini Mohan
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As Kerala in south India gets ready to vote for a new state government next Tuesday, it grapples with several firsts that have national impact: a global pandemic, returning expatriates and religious debate in the mainstream. The main battle is between the Communist-led alliance in power now, and the opposing Congress-led alliance, but new challengers are wooing voters like never before.
